A drama fit for Hollywood
The nail-biting rescue of a Thai boys soccer team and their coach from a flooded cave complex transfixed news viewers around the world, and the story could be headed for a retelling by Hollywood.
Divers freed the last four of 12 boys and the adult coach on Tuesday, a successful end to a mission that gripped the world for more than two weeks.
The saga is reminiscent of the 2010 rescue of 33 Chilean miners who were trapped for 69 days, a tale that was turned into the 2015 movie "The 33" starring Antonio Banderas.
Like the Chilean rescue, the Thai drama showcases real-life courage in the face of harrowing circumstances, said Mike Medavoy, the Oscar-nominated producer of "The 33."
It is likely the saga will be turned into a film or series of TV episodes at some point, he said.
"It's about the triumphs of individuals and groups of human beings over tragedy," Medavoy said. "It's a terrific story."
Producers with US-based Pure Flix, a studio that specializes in Christian and family movies, already are on the ground interviewing rescue workers for a potential film.
Pure Flix co-founder Michael Scott lives in Thailand part of the year and said he became captivated by the story while watching the news at his home in Bangkok. His wife grew up with the former Thai navy SEAL who died during the mission, he added.
Scott said he believes the international cooperation at the scene will help stoke interest in a movie about the effort.
"It's Thai, Westerners, Europeans, Aussies - people from all over the world who helped bring these kids to safety," he said.
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